Expert reveals money-saving tips to keep your house cool this summer without using electricity.

As the temperatures across the UK rise and the cost of living is at the forefront of every homeowner’s mind. The nation is also experiencing increasingly large surges in household bills and it can be hard to know where to cut back and how to limit expenditures while needing to keep your house cool.

This is why expert Catherine Grayson from A-Plan Insurance has revealed her top tips on how to keep your house cool this summer without using too much electricity.

Following this guide will ensure your electricity bills remain as low as possible, keeping you comfortable and cool during summer.

Use as little energy as possible to build credit

It may sound like an obvious trick, but here is a useful reminder that being mindful of your energy bills during the summer months will help you in the long run. Expert Catherine Grayson at A-Plan Insurance suggests that it “makes sense to lower your energy usage as much as possible in the summer, to build up credit towards your winter bills, particularly as we will not be receiving the £67 per month support this winter.”

There are plenty of ways you can keep an eye on your spending when it comes to your energy bills:

• Take daily readings from your meter – you can take readings from your meter at the end of the day to track your daily usage, making it easy to pinpoint where most of your spending comes from.
• Check your past energy bills – Your monthly consumption should be outlined on your previous energy bills so you can use this to estimate your annual usage and look at where you need to cut back.
• Install a smart meter – this will show you exactly how much energy you use in real-time. It will also send this to your current energy supplier, meaning you don’t have to contact them; it also means you can see which appliances and gadgets cost the most.

How to keep your house cool without electricity

The expense of an air conditioning unit may seem ideal in times of swelter, but by carrying out these tricks, you can save some serious money; experts suggest:

• Spray your curtains with water to keep them damp and cool – While investing in some blinds would be a good move for summer and winter – reflecting the heat through the window in the summer and keeping cool in the winter.
• Keep your blinds shut during the day – This will ensure any sunlight is deflected back out of the window, reducing a surprising amount of heat during the day. It is also a great tip if you suffer from hay fever and want your home to be a pollen-free zone.

If you already have an air conditioning unit that works wonders, and you want to maximise its potential, try these tricks suggested by expert Catherine Grayson:

• Put ice cubes in front of your air conditioning unit – fans are lower in cost to run, so popping a tub of ice cubes in front of one when you (or your pets) get too warm can help with the cool down or give you a more comfortable night’s sleep.
• Re-use your plastic bottles – don’t throw away your plastic pop bottles; refill them with water and freeze them. They take longer to melt and can be used in front of a fan, air conditioning unit or as a ‘cold water bottle’.

Other tips that will combat soaring bills and reduce your home’s temperature:

• Avoid cooking indoors – where you can try to avoid cooking indoors as this will increase the temperature in your home. Opt for barbeques and introduce salads and options that require no heat.
• Turn off any electronic devices you aren’t using – these gadgets and appliances generate a large amount of unnecessary heat and can sometimes be dangerous to keep plugged in. Once your devices are charged, unplug all your devices from the sockets and keep out of sight.
• Hydration is key – always keep cold water in your fridge and ensure you stay hydrated. This is the best way to make sure your body keeps cool, so don’t forget to drink water.
• Change up your schedule – if you have the luxury to do so, if you work from home, or if you desperately need some change, why not try saving your essential trips out to the supermarket or leisurely activities to the coolest times of the day.